When the new Steak ’n Shake opens on Jimmie Dyess Parkway this fall, it’ll be hard to miss.

Columbia County planning commissioners on Thursday approved variances that give Steak ’n Shake franchise owner Preston Moss the go-ahead to put two extra signs and graphic panels on the building.

The county’s sign requirements dictate that no more than three signs be permitted for an occupant of a building on a corner lot.

The county’s Planning and Engineering staff said the Steak ’n Shake’s location is unique because it fronts three roads: Jimmie Dyess Parkway, Interstate 20 and Belair Frontage Road.

Printed graphics also will be allowed on recessed areas in the back of the building. The front of the restaurant will face Jimmy Dyess Parkway.

Work began in June on the 3,500-square-foot burger joint that specializes in steakburgers and hand-dipped milkshakes.

The restaurant is expected to open in September. It will be open 24 hours a day.

In other business, the board passed a minor revision allowing developers to build single-family homes, in addition to townhomes that have already been approved, in the Brookhaven neighborhood.

Already built on the 9-acre parcel, which is in the Crawford Creek development, are 15 townhome units. With the planning commission’s approval, the remaining 43 lots can either be developed as townhomes or a maximum of 33 single-family homes.

Additionally, the planning commission recommended approval for changing the Evans Town Center Overlay District’s established radius as a mile instead of a 1¼ mile.

The Columbia County Justice Center, Evans Government Complex and Evans Towne Center Park are located within the district.

Planning commissioners also approved final plats for:

• 27 lots on 6.5 acres off Baker Place Road in the Hidden Creek subdivision.

I am not saying that there is something that is not right happening but appearances are what they are. Looks like their contractors building this thing are using what appears to be illegals working on it. No proof but appearances be what they are it certainly has that appearance to me. Day laborer or not if they are legal seems like they would have the appropriate safety gear on when working on an elevated surface such as the roof. Just an observation.

it was formed by the realignment of the I-20 on ramps. A local realtor go the parcel? Was to be a Ruby Tuesdays after the redesigned roads. Or a filling station at one point. Before the redesign, its value was like $35,000 and was overflow parking for the motels. Wonder what the owner got from the GADOT and how undeveloped land value increased from $35K to $950K. Being at the right place at the right time. This parcel is of less value than before, I'll give you $50K for it.

I am a big fan of Steak and Shake, I first ate at one in Florida back in the 70's. They have been big down there for a longtime. I am not however crazy about the location, traffic is bad at that intersection in the mornings and afternoons and the timing of those lights at all those intersections there seem off to me and maybe they should re-think them. Other than that I am glad that it is coming and I think people will be happy with what they offer.